Fall is here and if you haven’t started yet, now is the time to begin prepping your home for the colder months. But where do you begin?
To give you a few ideas, we’ve put together some tasks that you can add to your Fall To-Do list.
1. Make Exterior Repairs – You might not think about the outside of your home very often, but with all the heavy storms we’ve had this year, your home’s exterior could probably use some maintenance. Making the necessary repairs now can limit damage and lessen risk during the inevitable harsh winter months.
In particular, we recommend that you patch-up leaks, repair your home’s siding, and restore rundown stairs and walkways.
2. Clean Gutters and Drainpipes – Aside from repairs, simply cleaning up a little bit can make a load of difference.
Clogged gutters can be dangerous for your roof.
Debris like leaves and sticks can get stuck and clog your gutters. When this happens, rainwater and melting snow can’t run off of your roof properly, which puts your home at risk of water damage.
It’s recommended that you clean your gutters at least twice a year.
3. Get the Chimney Inspected and Cleaned – If you use a fireplace or woodstove, it’s crucial that you hire a professional to inspect and clean your chimney.
Over time, built-up soot inside your chimney can put you at risk of a chimney fire.
Get this attended to prior to the cold weather so you can safely use your fireplace or woodstove.
Of course, no matter how much preparation you put into your home, there is always a risk that something could go wrong. If you don’t already have home insurance or you’re interested in bringing your insurance needs to a reliable independent agency like Sidle Insurance, give us a call today at 607-535-6501.
We can help you build an affordable insurance strategy that meets your specific needs.